Wigan travelled to Liverpool this weekend to face a Liverpool Collegiate side just one point behind them in the league table with a game in hand. Wigan named what could be described as a scratch side with 4 junior colts in the starting line-up and there was some trepidation about how the side would fare against a well organised Liverpool side.

Wigan settled any nerves early on when after 5 minutes the Liverpool side were caught offside and Ethan Jukes slotted the penalty home from all of 45 yards.

As has become customary this season, Wigan immediately let the opposition back into the game just 2 minutes later. Liverpool’s fullback took the ball on a mazy run down the right wing before stepping inside, leaving two men floundering on the deck and going over for the score close to the sticks.

Collegiate maintained pressure on Wigan and the Douglas Valley side had to spend much of the first half on the back foot. With bodies being placed on the line, Wigan’s ‘bend but don’t break’ defence finally came undone as Liverpool forced a rolling maul over to take a 12-3 lead into the break.

Wigan restarted with renewed vigour and the addition of young scrum half Joss Parker and veteran back row Wayne Bullough, gave new impetus to the attack. With Parker sniping down the sides of the ruck, the Collegiate defence were caught offside and Ethan Jukes was given the task of bringing Wigan back within touching distance. 12-6

With 20 minutes remaining, Wigan made a rare foray into Liverpool’s 22 yard area. Bullough took the ball on and came up just short of the line. With Wigan awarded an attacking scrum just 5 metres out it was Bullough again who picked up from the back of the scrum before Sam Heeley came in at an angle and was put through under the sticks untouched. Jukes converted to take the score to 12-13.

Liverpool immediately went on the counter attack and the last 20 minutes were a display of pure defiance from a Wigan pack that repeatedly got to their feet and went into the trenches time and time again. With Liverpool denied, Wigan took an unlikely away victory in a game that will be remembered for the efforts of young and old. None more so that 17 year old Harry Barker who fought well above his weight and was named opposition man of the match by the Liverpool Collegiate Captain. Final score 12-13

Wigan’s next game is this Saturday 23rd November as Wigan welcome Heaton Moor to Douglas Valley in the Premier Division cup, with kick off scheduled for 2.15pm.